It’s always nice to have a little extra money in your purse. But getting it, is the other factor.
But before you throw your hands up in the air at the thought of taking on additional work, we’ve found some jobs that might just work with your lifestyle.
MYSTERY SHOPPER
What is it? If you love to shop, or seem to be at the shops every second day, then this one could be for you. A mystery or secret, shopper ‘shops’ at a particular store in order to assess the customer experience.
What’s involved? You’re required to interact with store staff, appraise the appearance of the store and possibly make a purchase. Afterwards, usually within 24 hours, you will need to complete a report based on your experience.
What’s the pay like? There are a number of agencies that offer such work, generally paying $18-2$0 per visit, sometimes up to $80 depending on the client and amount of detail required within the report. Plus you usually get reimbursement for your purchase, which you may or may not be allowed to keep. Based on where you live there may be regular work, but volume cannot be guaranteed.
Pros and cons? Upon accepting an ‘assignment’ you’re required to carry-out the ‘mystery shop’ within a couple of days. Time of day may be specified or it may be left up to you.
You can accept or decline assignments as it suits you, although the more you accept, the more you’ll be offered.
It’s not a great deal of income when you consider the need to travel, the shop and then the report writing, but if you’re a regular shopper you won’t be going out of your way it can be fun and the reporting can allow you to develop or maintain handy admin skills.
CAKE BAKING or DECORATING
What is it? If you fancy yourself a bit of a baker, then this one could be for you. You won’t often attend a party that doesn’t have a professionally decorated cake or baked goods, with many of these items purchased from an at-home baker.
What’s involved? Cake decorating and cupcake making is a side-business you can create yourself, and as you ‘bake to order’ you can accept as much work as you wish – it could grow into more than just a side-job, or just see you decorating one cake a month. Many bakers/decorators are self-taught and YouTube tutorials are great, although there are plenty of courses available if you feel you need professional training.
What’s the pay like? This is going to vary depending on how good you are. But store bought cupcakes can be anything from $2-$4 each and cakes range from $30 upwards and run into the hundreds of dollars.
Pros and cons? A folio of previous ‘creations’ will be needed so it will take some kitchen hours and dollars upfront, but after this you only need purchase stock as orders are placed. You will probably need Council approval and a food handling certificate to produce your goods, so check with your local authority.
PAMPHLET DELIVERY
What is it? Love to walk? Then this could be part of the journey, just add the delivery of pamphlets and junk mail! Love it or hate it, someone delivers it.
What’s involved? Depending on where you live, regular work may be available. It’s another task that doesn’t pay a great deal, and you’re paid for the amount you deliver, not how long you spend delivering. The work will usually involve collating the mail-outs, depending on the agency, once they’re delivered to you.
What’s the pay like? This one varies on the agency and whether you are paid per item delivered or by the hour. Pay can range from $10- $30 an hour, according to job advertisements.
Pros and cons? If you’re a regular walker and are happy to accept rain, hail or shine as part of the job, and are also happy to put together bundles while you watch TV or the kids, it’s easy money, and good exercise. You are generally given a ‘window’ of 2-3 days in which to deliver, but when and how you do that, in that timeframe, is up to you.
SWIM TEACHER
What is it? Love being with kids and exercising at the same time, then this could be your side job. Most children these days learn to swim, either through lessons arranged by their parents, or through their school, so the demand for swim teachers is constant.
What’s involved? Training is required, which you can arrange yourself and then look for an employer, or possibly arrange through a prospective employer, as well as a Working With Children Check.
What’s the pay like? Work can vary from a couple of 30min classes a week through to multiple weeknights or weekend mornings, and will require you to commit to specific shifts. Pay rates can vary from $20-$30 per hour.
Pros and cons? If you teach kids, you generally have school holidays off from teaching, but you may also have to give up your weekends every other week.
